Getting Started with Latin, with French, or with Spanish

The curriculum emphasizes explicit grammar instruction with systematic presentation of grammatical concepts and structures. Grammar points are explained clearly without assuming prior language knowledge.

Courses are 'grammatically based, teaching each language in an organized fashion and explaining points of grammar and structure' with clear explanations that 'don't assume that the parent or teacher is fluent in the language'

The curriculum provides excellent support for non-expert teachers through detailed pronunciation guides, explanatory audio files, and clear instructional materials. Resources are particularly helpful for parents unfamiliar with the target language.

Includes 'free MP3 audio files' with pronunciation and 'MP3 files with the authors' explanations for each lesson,' plus 'explanations that don't assume that the parent or teacher is fluent in the language, especially the pronunciation help for French'

The curriculum is well-designed for direct instruction with clear lesson structure, step-by-step progression, and explanatory materials. The format supports both independent study and parent-guided instruction.

Books have 'large enough print that a parent and student should be able to read together sitting side by side' and include 'MP3 files with the authors' explanations for each lesson'

The curriculum lacks systematic retrieval practice and spaced review mechanisms. Assessment is limited to occasional backing up to previous lessons rather than structured cumulative review.

There are 'no quizzes or tests' and assessment involves 'simply backing up to a previously completed lesson' with no mention of spaced repetition or cumulative review

The curriculum heavily emphasizes reading and translation skills with minimal attention to productive speaking or writing practice. Audio files support pronunciation but don't develop conversational abilities.

Exercises primarily 'direct students to translate from the foreign language into English' and 'students learn conversational sentences' but 'courses are not taught from a strictly conversational approach'

Cultural content is present but limited, focusing mainly on common expressions and phrases rather than comprehensive cultural understanding. Latin and French include occasional cultural expression lessons.

Latin and French courses 'intersperse occasional lessons on Latin Expressions and French Expressions' teaching phrases like 'magna cum laude' and 'bon appétit'

The curriculum provides limited but manageable input through very gradual vocabulary introduction of 1-2 words per lesson. The pace is deliberately slow to ensure comprehension, though total input volume appears constrained.

Lessons introduce 'no more than one or two new words or phrases per lesson' and begin very simply with single words like 'nauta' (sailor) in Latin